An event next month will benefit the family of a Pinckney-area fifth-grader recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Michael Grossmeyer, 8, has been in the hospital since Aug. 8 — with the exception of an eight day break — and isn't expected to be released until after his fourth round of chemotherapy in February.

"Being reminded that he's still a little boy has been the best thing for him," his mother, Krista Grossmeyer, said.

A free-will donation spaghetti dinner to benefit his family will be hosted from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at St. Mary School, 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Putnam Township.

The seemingly healthy Pinckney-area boy played travel soccer in May and remained active in June. Starting in July, he began sleeping longer than usual, which Krista Grossmeyer said she didn't think was anything suspicious.

"I figured it was summer vacation and he was tired from staying up late and watching movies," she said.

The boy began taking naps for several hours per week and developed an infrequent low-grade fever from time to time.

On Aug. 2, his mother bought Michael tickets to see the Guinness International Champions Cup soccer game between Manchester United and Real Madrid in Ann Arbor. It was clear he needed medical attention when Michael had to rest four times when attempting to walk three blocks to the game.

"At first I thought maybe he picked up mono somewhere," Krista Grossmeyer said. "Or he had hepatitis."

It never crossed her mind her son would be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, cancer of bone marrow and lymph nodes.

Three months later, Michael is responding well to chemotherapy, his mother said, but is struggling with depression. Due to his weakened immune system, the boy isn't allowed in the playroom at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.

On Monday, his spirits were lifted after when he talked via Facetime with his St. Mary School classmates.

"He loves seeing his friends and connecting with them," this mother said.

Krista Grossmeyer, a single mother, said her employer has thankfully been accommodating to her situation thus far, but she will eventually have to take an unpaid leave of absence. Any assistance for medical bills will help, as she's not guaranteed a job if she exceeds her allocated leave time.

St. Mary School principal Veronica Kinsey said school officials felt moved to help the Grossmeyers because they're part of their "school family."

For more information about the spaghetti dinner, call the school at 734-878-5616 or visit stmaryschoolpinckney.org.

Donations also are being collected at www.giveforward.com. To find the fundraiser search "Michael Grossmeyer."